Stats

Over 250,000 police, fire fighters, nurses, doctors, search and rescue and bomb disposals workers work day and night to keep the United Kingdom and its people safe. The emergency services are more than life savers. They are there to provide support and assist those with nowhere else to turn.

It has been estimated that up to 10,000 members of the emergency services have lost their lives whilst on duty in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, with nearly half of these deaths occurring since 1792. These are people who have paid the ultimate cost of serving the public. Below is a breakdown of those who have lost their lives whilst protecting and serving.

The National Emergency Services Memorial is a registered charity in England and Wales (1172996)

Our Supporters

“Every day, our emergency services go out to work, not knowing what they might face, but they demonstrate the utmost professionalism and bravery. We owe these men and women a tremendous debt of gratitude and it is entirely right and fitting that those who give their lives in the line of duty should be remembered with a lasting memorial. I am very proud to support a National Emergency Services Memorial and the creation of an official Emergency Services Day.”

Rt Hon Amber Rudd MP

Home Secretary

“I am pleased to support the work of NESM and recognise all those that serve, whether salaried or volunteers, those that have served and in particular those that have paid the ultimate price and also importantly recognise their families.”

Dawn Whittaker

Chief Fire Officer, East Sussex FRS and Chair of Trustees for the Royal Life Saving Society UK

“We are indebted to our emergency services who daily endanger their lives to ensure our health, safety and well-being. Sadly, there have been many from our Fire, Police, Ambulance, Health and Coastguard emergency services who have died whilst on the call of duty. It is important we remember their sacrifice and dedication to their profession. Particularly during our darkest days in Northern Ireland when men and women left their families never to return from duty.

“I support the campaign for the National Emergency Services Memorial – the first combined memorial of its kind in the UK. We owe a gratitude to the brave men and women who have worked in our emergency services and I hope this memorial will act as a national symbol of remembrance.”

Rt Hon Arlene Foster MLA

DUP Leader and Fmr First Minister of Northern Ireland

“Our emergency services perform some of the most demanding and vital work in order to protect us all. It is entirely right that the extraordinary commitment, courage and selfless dedication they demonstrate should be honoured. I am pleased to give my support to this National Emergency Services Memorial and 999 day.”

The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP

First Minister of Scotland

“I am proud to support a national emergency services memorial to remember those in the emergency services, past and present, who have lost their lives in the course of duty in helping and protecting others. They served us with great distinction and courage and we are indebted to them. This memorial shows our gratitude by honouring their sacrifice.”

Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM

First Minister of Wales

“I’m proud to support this National Memorial and the creation of an official emergency services day. The men and women of our emergency services are there for us when we need them most. As a nation, we are indebted to them for their courage and their sacrifice and it is absolutely right that we should honour their incredible service in this very special way.”

Rt Hon Theresa May MP

Prime Minister

“The Emergency Services have a long and distinguished role in helping and protecting people in dire circumstances, often at great risk to themselves. I strongly support the case for a Memorial to honour the many members of the Emergency Services who have lost their lives in seeking to save others.”

Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister (1990 - 1997)

‘As the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Citizens in Policing I am delighted to support the National Emergency Services Memorial and the recognition of all personnel, including Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers and Volunteer Police Cadets, who contribute to the safety and reassurance of the public.’

Dave Jones QPM

Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police

“Our emergency services deserve the thanks of the whole nation. These selfless men and women work day in day out, and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute than a national memorial, serving as a constant reminder of their tireless dedication to others.”

Rt Hon David Cameron

Prime Minister (2010 - 2016)

“The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is delighted to support the establishment of a national emergency services memorial. The determination and selflessness of those who have made a difference to millions of lives, should never be forgotten”